U.S. natural gas storage levels declined at a slower pace, with the latest reading showing a draw of -52 billion cubic feet (Bcf), compared with a previous decrease of -144 Bcf. The updated data, released on 26 February 2026, indicate a significant moderation in withdrawals from storage.
The smaller draw suggests that supply-demand pressures in the U.S. natural gas market may be easing relative to the prior period, when inventories were being reduced much more sharply. While storage levels are still falling, the reduced pace of decline could reflect milder weather, shifts in consumption, or changes in production and pipeline flows.
Market participants will be watching upcoming storage reports closely to assess whether this slowdown in withdrawals continues, as it may have implications for price volatility, winter heating demand expectations, and broader energy market sentiment in the United States.